Cooling Systems for Downhole Tools
First Claim
1. A cooling system for a downhole tool, comprising:
- an insulating chamber disposed in the downhole tool, wherein the insulating chamber is adapted to house an object to be cooled;
a thermoacoustic cooler disposed in the downhole tool, wherein the thermoacoustic cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the insulating chamber and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and
an energy source for generating an acoustic wave in the thermoacoustic cooler.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cooling system for a downhole tool includes an insulating chamber disposed in the downhole tool, wherein the insulating chamber is adapted to house an object to be cooled; a thermoacoustic cooler disposed in the downhole tool, wherein the thermoacoustic cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the insulating chamber and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and an energy source for generating an acoustic wave in the thermoacoustic cooler. A method for constructing a downhole tool includes disposing a to-be-cooled object in an insulating chamber in the downhole tool; and disposing a thermoacoustic cooler in the downhole tool proximate the insulating chamber such that the thermoacoustic cooler is configured to remove heat from the insulating chamber.
52 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A cooling system for a downhole tool, comprising:
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an insulating chamber disposed in the downhole tool, wherein the insulating chamber is adapted to house an object to be cooled; a thermoacoustic cooler disposed in the downhole tool, wherein the thermoacoustic cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the insulating chamber and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and an energy source for generating an acoustic wave in the thermoacoustic cooler. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for constructing a downhole tool, comprising:
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disposing a to-be-cooled object in an insulating chamber in the downhole tool; and disposing a thermoacoustic cooler in the downhole tool proximate the insulating chamber such that the thermoacoustic cooler is configured to remove heat from the insulating chamber. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for cooling a portion of a downhole tool, comprising:
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providing a thermoacoustic cooler in the downhole tool proximate the portion to be cooled; and energizing the thermoacoustic cooler to generate an acoustic wave such that heat is removed from the portion to be cooled. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification